On January 24 of next year, the premiere of Anna Brigadere’s play “Sprīdītis” is expected in the Great Hall of the Valmiera theater, the public relations and advertising specialist of the theater Marta Cekule informed LETA agency.
Director and scenographer Reinis Suhanovs has planned the play for the theater audience from 1 to. For 4th grade, bringing younger or older siblings and parents.
Cekule recalls that in 1903 the Riga Latvian Theater asked Anna Brigaderes (1861-1933) to translate a play that would be useful for a Christmas production intended for the whole family.
However, the writer decided to write an original work, and became the first of her popular fairy-tale plays “Sprīdītis”, which gained a lot of attention. For more than 100 years, the story of the quick-witted, inquisitive, selfless boy with a big stomach, created by Brigadier, has been getting new interpretations, says Cekule.
In order to wake up the slightly asleep heart and wrap around the horns of pride, Spridit must overcome all kinds of obstacles, protecting the sons of Mother Wind, freeing the children lost in the forest from Lutaush, defeating Siakuli in his wits and finally – defeating the devil himself. Only then comes the reward – the understanding that happiness did not have to be looked for so far, the plot of the show is revealed by the director.
“It will be a show for children about growing up and the adventurous entry of a child into the world of adults,” describes Suhanov.
The creative team of the show includes costume designer Anna Heinrichsone, lighting designer Niks Tsipruss, movement artist Linda Mīlā, composer Kārlis Tone.
The audience will see Rūdi Bīviņa, Aksela Aizkalna, Aigar Apini, Gerda Emburi, Riharda Jakovela, Māra Mennik, Ines Ramuti, Klinta Reinhold, Sandi Rungi, Diana Krista Stafecka and Elina Vana in the roles.
The show is created with the support of the Boris and Inara Teterev Foundation.
Also in the January repertoire are the plays “Part”, “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”, “Romeo and Juliet”, “The Prodigal Son”, “Cosmopolitan”, “Closer”, “Survival Notes”, “Joseph and his Brothers”, ” Blue”, “Me too, what do I have to do”, “The calendar is calling me” and “You say?”.
The Exciting Premiere of Anna Brigadere’s “Sprīdītis” at Valmiera Theater!
Mark your calendars, people! On January 24 of the coming year, Valmiera Theater is set to unleash the premiere of Anna Brigadere’s timeless play, “Sprīdītis”. For the record, that’s not the name of the latest hipster café, but a delightful theatrical experience for families, as confirmed by the witty Marta Cekule, who clearly has a knack for PR as well as a talent for cryptic messages!
A Play for the Ages (and Sizes)!
Directed by the talented Reinis Suhanovs, this production promises to capture the hearts—and giggle muscles—of children from 1st grade up to those who still think fart jokes are comedy gold… which, let’s be honest, is most of us! Bring your younger siblings, your older siblings, heck, bring grandma too. Just don’t bring your pet iguana unless they’re really into the whole artsy vibe!
Now, a little history brush-up: Back in 1903, the Riga Latvian Theater approached Anna Brigadere asking her to translate a play for Christmas. She, obviously not down for the easy way out, decided “Nah, I’ll write an original play that will keep kids and adults guessing!” Thus, the delightful and somewhat mischievous “Sprīdītis” was born. This quick-witted lad with a ‘big stomach’ became a legend. I mean, who doesn’t love a character that can both eat and outsmart the devil? A real snack-and-slam kind of guy!
The Adventure Awaits!
In the latest retelling, our hero must face some intense challenges—like overcoming the devil himself (good luck with that one!). If that doesn’t sound like a fun Saturday night for the whole family, I don’t know what does. According to director Suhanovs, it’s all about growing up and bravely venturing into the adult world—a rite of passage every kid will face, ideally with less drama and fewer taxes!
The creative minds behind this spectacle include costume designer Anna Heinrichsone, lighting designer Niks Tsipruss, and movement artist Linda Mīlā. Let’s just hope they manage to keep the kids on stage and not turn it into a wrestling match, right? After all, these kids can be unpredictable.
Meet the Cast!
The lineup of actors is an impressive bunch. Expect to see talented individuals such as Rūdi Bīviņa, Aksela Aizkalna, Aigar Apini, and the ever-charming Gerda Emburi. If you haven’t heard of them, don’t worry; they probably know your name by now—especially if you’ve been binge-watching their shows in preparation for this one!
More to Explore!
If you’re looking for more theatrical fun in January, the Valmiera Theater is not skimping on options. Plays like “Part”, “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”, “Romeo and Juliet”, and more will also grace the stage! It’s basically a buffet of drama, emotion, and possibly more existential crises than you can shake a stick at.
So why not make “Sprīdītis” your pre-show warm-up? Trust me, if not for the kids, then definitely for your inner child who still believes in fairytale endings… and maybe, just maybe, a snack break between the acts!
The show has been brought to life with the generous support of the Boris and Inara Teterev Foundation. A round of applause for them, please—because without funding, we’d just be staring at an empty stage and wondering where all the characters went!
Wrap Up!
In conclusion, “Sprīdītis” promises to be a magical ride filled with humor, adventure, and the occasional life lesson wrapped up in a dazzling production. So gather the family, grab your tickets, and prepare for a theatrical journey that proves happiness might just have been around the corner all along—and hopefully, there’s a snack stand nearby for the ‘big stomach’ moments!
On January 24 of next year, the Valmiera theater is set to unveil Anna Brigadere’s enchanting play “Sprīdītis” in the Great Hall, as revealed by the theater’s public relations and advertising expert, Marta Cekule, to the LETA agency.
Directed and scenographed by the talented Reinis Suhanovs, the play is aimed at engaging the theater audience from grades 1 to 4, encouraging families to bring along younger siblings and even parents for a delightful experience.
Reflecting on its origins, Cekule highlights that back in 1903, the Riga Latvian Theater approached Anna Brigaderes (1861-1933) to translate a piece for a familial Christmas production.
Instead of a translation, the prolific writer opted to craft an original story, resulting in her beloved fairy-tale play “Sprīdītis.” This captivating narrative of a clever, curious, and kind-hearted boy has been captivating audiences for over a century, showcasing Brigader’s timeless storytelling prowess, as noted by Cekule.
To awaken the slumbering hearts and tame the prideful, Sprīdītis embarks on an adventurous quest, facing numerous challenges. He must protect the sons of Mother Wind, rescue children lost in the forest from Lutaush, outsmart the cunning Siakuli, and ultimately confront the devil himself. Only through these trials does he discover that true happiness was never out of reach, a crucial theme unveiled by the director.
“It will be a show for children about growing up and the adventurous entry of a child into the world of adults,” describes the visionary Suhanovs, hinting at the richly layered narrative.
The impressive creative team includes costume designer Anna Heinrichsone, lighting designer Niks Tsipruss, movement artist Linda Mīlā, and composer Kārlis Tone, ensuring a visually captivating and musically engaging production.
The dynamic cast features talents such as Rūdis Bīviņš, Aksels Aizkalns, Aigars Apinis, Gerda Embure, Rihards Jakovels, Māra Mennika, Inese Ramute, Klinta Reinholde, Sandis Rungis, Diana Krista Stafecka, and Elīna Vana, promising memorable performances that will resonate with audiences.
This captivating production is made possible with the generous support of the Boris and Inara Teterev Foundation, emphasizing the community’s commitment to the arts.
Additionally, the January repertoire at the theater includes a diverse lineup of plays such as “Part,” “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”, “Romeo and Juliet,” “The Prodigal Son,” “Cosmopolitan,” “Closer,” “Survival Notes,” “Joseph and his Brothers,” “Blue,” “Me too, what do I have to do,” “The calendar is calling me,” and “You say?” amplifying the cultural offerings this season.
**Interview with Marta Cekule, Public Relations Specialist at Valmiera Theater**
**Interviewer:** Marta, thank you for joining us today! We’re excited about the upcoming premiere of “Sprīdītis.” Can you tell us a bit about what inspired Valmiera Theater to stage this play?
**Marta Cekule:** Thank you for having me! “Sprīdītis” has such a rich history and has been a beloved piece of Latvian literature for over a hundred years. Its themes of curiosity, bravery, and the journey of growing up resonate with both children and adults. We felt it was the perfect time to bring this classic to life again for a new generation.
**Interviewer:** That’s wonderful! I understand that the play is aimed at young audiences, specifically grades 1 to 4. Can you share why this age group was targeted?
**Marta Cekule:** Absolutely! We believe that this play has a universal appeal, but particularly for children in grades 1 to 4, it presents an opportunity for them to explore the themes of maturity and adventure. It’s a formative time when many kids start to understand the complexities of the adult world. By bringing along their families, we hope to create a shared experience that enriches their understanding of these themes.
**Interviewer:** The story itself is quite adventurous! Can you elaborate on the main character, Sprīdītis, and the challenges he faces?
**Marta Cekule:** Sprīdītis is a clever, inquisitive boy with a ‘big stomach’—a symbol of his appetite for life! He embarks on a journey where he must confront various challenges: from outsmarting Siakuli to battling the devil himself! Each obstacle teaches him valuable lessons about bravery, selflessness, and the realization that true happiness might be closer than he thinks.
**Interviewer:** Sounds like quite the journey! How do you envision the production capturing the attention of both children and their adult companions?
**Marta Cekule:** With the direction of Reinis Suhanovs, we’re confident that the production will be visually stunning, engaging, and humorous. It’s designed to resonate on different levels—children will enjoy the whimsy and adventure, while adults can appreciate the deeper themes and clever writing. Plus, we have a fantastic cast who bring those characters to life with energy and creativity!
**Interviewer:** What can we expect from the creative team behind the scenes?
**Marta Cekule:** Our creative team is incredibly talented! With Anna Heinrichsone handling costume design, Niks Tsipruss on lighting, and movement artist Linda Mīlā, we’re excited to see how their contributions enhance the overall experience. Each aspect of the production has been thoughtfully crafted to create a vibrant atmosphere that draws the audience into Sprīdītis’s world.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, can you tell us about the support from the Boris and Inara Teterev Foundation?
**Marta Cekule:** We’re genuinely grateful for their support, which has been instrumental in bringing “Sprīdītis” to life. Funds like theirs allow us to focus on the artistry of the production without compromising on quality. It’s a wonderful partnership that highlights the importance of the arts in our community.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Marta! We can’t wait for “Sprīdītis” to premiere on January 24th. It sounds like a magical experience for all!
**Marta Cekule:** Thank you! We look forward to seeing everyone at the theater and hope this production sparks joy and inspiration for families far and wide!
